Auto Accidents and Fog: A More Common Danger than You May Realize

By Michael Verna on September 06, 2017

In San Jose, CA and the surrounding Bay Area, fog is common. However, few people think about the significant link between auto accidents and fog. Fog can dramatically affect driver vision, causing lane drift, delayed stops, and other dangerous behavior. Nonetheless, drivers cannot entirely blame the weather for their mistakes on the road. With caution and responsible behavior, most fog-related accidents are avoidable. Therefore, if you were involved in a collision and you believe another driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Bowles & Verna, LLP, we are committed to providing our clients with expert legal advice and aggressive representation. At the same time, with our compassionate approach, we can take much of the stress out of your case. Furthermore, we will settle out of court whenever possible.

How Fog Contributes to Auto Accidents

Fog can have several alarming effects for those on the roads. First and most obviously, it can significantly reduce visibility. Therefore, drivers will have a harder time distinguishing objects around them, and they will have more difficulty ascertaining whether an object is moving or stationary.

Fog also alters depth perception, making it harder to determine how far away another vehicle actually is.

Finally, it impacts the perception of speed. Therefore, those on the road may have trouble judging how fast another car is moving - or whether it is moving at all. Due to these varied effects, fog often leads to rear-end collisions, though head-on crashes and side swipes are not uncommon.

Auto Accident and Fog Statistics

The correlation between fog and car crashes is fairly obvious. However, the frequency of such collisions may be a bit of a surprise. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, incidents of fog-related accidents have declined over the last two decades. Nonetheless, the numbers are still quite high. According to data gathered by AAA:

In 2008, there were over 20,000 fog-related collisions reported in police records.

In region 9 (made up of CA, AZ, and HI), there were 1000 fatal fog-related accidents between 1990 and 2012.

Fog-related crashes are most common between December and February, when they account for 2.44 percent of all fatal accidents.

Accidents are also most common between midnight and 6 am, when they make up nearly three percent of all fatal crashes.

Fog-related collisions are most common on rural roads and on undivided, two-way roads.

How to Avoid Fog-Related Crashes

Though fog-related crashes are common, they are not inevitable. Smart decision-making and improved driver training can go a long way in cutting back on serious auto accidents. For instance, drivers should:

Proceed more slowly in foggy conditions

Put more space between cars

Use fog lights whenever possible

Avoid high beams at all times, as they will cause light to reflect back and further reduce visibility

What to Do If You Were Injured in a Fog-related Accident

When other drivers fail to follow the safety precautions mentioned above, the results can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one was injured in such an accident, you may be able to claim significant compensation. This money can help you cover medical bills, property damage, lost wages, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

Our attorneys have years of experience with personal injury law suits. Plus, they painstakingly prepare for each trial. In this way, they can obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible. Furthermore, with their experience on both sides of personal injury law, they are familiar with the most effective arguments and counterarguments.

Contact Bowles & Verna for Outstanding Legal Assistance

When you are suffering after a car accident, you should not have to worry about finances on top of everything else. To find out whether you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, contact our office today and schedule your case evaluation.